an abnormal music blog

“Drug Chart” by The Flaming Lips

Ever since I saw The Flaming Lips on Sunday night, I’ve been obsessed with their song, “Drug Chart.” The song was a mystery to me at the show, so afterwords I did a little research and found out the song was part of their Gummy Skull series. Part awesome limited-edition packaging, part thumbing of the proverbial-nose at modern music distribution, The Flaming Lips put out some songs on a USB encased in a life-sized candy replica of a human skulls. They’ve been charging a few hundred bucks per skull and only made a small quantity, which is super-cool if you were a bit well-off and able to buy one. I’d heard of this project, but didn’t realized they’d been doing it for more than one song release. Apparently they put out a bunch of music this way back in 2011.

“To listen, or not to listen…that is your question!”

Thus, the reason I was totally bewildered by “Drug Chart” on Sunday, was because it was a very limited released song. It’s a strange song and an even stranger choice for the band to play live (especially at a festival). The song opens with a hypnotic drum roll and anemic baseline. Just when you’re nice and lulled, Wayne starts coo-ing about a litany of drugs, including marijuana and crystal meth. Does that sound incredibly stupid to you? It kinda is…but for some reason, I fucking love this song. I can’t even explain why I love, because I can barely understand it.

The mysterious quality to the song is appealing. But it’s more than that. I can’t quite put my finger on it. I wish I could read the lyrics, but alas I have been unable to find them online (I will be your best friend forever if you find them). I guess it’s just as well, I’m sure I’d be disappointed if I was able to decode the song properly. For now I’m content to let the mystery wash over me: I’ve been listening to it on repeat and enjoying the rush.